During a sentencing hearing for Army PFC Bradley Manning, a military court heard an apology from the soldier, tales of a tough childhood from his sister, and two experts explaining how Manning's gender identity disorder contributed to his decision to release American secrets.

"First, your honor, I want to start off with an apology," Manning told the court after taking the stand to make an unsworn statement. "I am sorry that my actions hurt people. I 'm sorry that they hurt the United States.

1. I hope they let him off on time served.

It was his management that should take any further 'punishments'. The management let their employees surf, watch movies, play online all day. They didn't even notice downloads! All these thousands of security employees shouldn't even have the ability to download anything, email or connect online.

7. I predict...

... 20 years and will be released in 12-15. Maybe as early as 10. Remember, he is being used as an 'example' to others in the military intelligence community. Plus, this happened during Sec. Clinton's watch and the diplomatic cable releases caused the State Department numerous embarrassments and, no doubt, infuriated her. I would not want her angry with me, even now. Had Manning stuck to videos and other evidence of potential war crimes, the defense could have used a 'whistle-blower' defense in addition to the other issues brought forth. But, Manning took everything he could, because he could, as if on a lark and turned it all over to Wikileaks without any thoughts of potential damage to the US unrelated to the Iraq debacle. That is his real undoing. I hope that his support network is still around when is eventually released (with a DD) to help him salvage what is left of his life. Here's an interesting scenario: Sec. Clinton is elected president in '16, serves two terms and in 2024 magnanimously pardons him.

5. Thanks... I will read later.....

6. I don't condone what he did, but...

This is a clear case of a person that SHOULD NOT have been in the Army. In peacetime (what's that?), PFC Manning would have washed out of boot camp. He clearly couldn't handle the psychological stress of being in the Army, let alone being a closeted gay man in the Army at that time. Add to that the stress of being deployed to a combat zone, and you've got a recipe for trouble. His commander's first inclination was correct - he did not belong in a combat zone. However, because of Boosh's war in Iraq, they had to take people into the Army that had no business being in there. They were desperate for bodies, and they took pretty much all comers. Manning was smarter than most, so he was placed into Intel.

Yes, Bradley Manning abused his privilege of access to classified material and he deserves to be punished for that. However, without fighting Bush's useless war, Manning would never have been in the situation to handle classified material in the first place.

11. Gender Identity Disorder?

You know it's already very difficult for someone diagnosed with GID or being trans to get a security clearance or even a commercial pilot's license (there has been some positive moves on this in the last few years). Using GID as an excuse for this will only make things worse for everyone.

12. You stole my post.

13. That bothered me, too

I am skeptical of the concept of GID. I think personal struggles related to gender identity should not be considered pathological. I don't see any problem with the external manifests of gender identity that don't match what is considered "normal." Isn't the idea that it is a problem based on expectations and assumptions as opposed to the personal understanding of one's gender identity?

15. I'm sorry that makes no sense.

Gender Identity Disorder makes you leak state secrets?

Mind you, I find absolutely nothing wrong with what he did, the MIC rock needs overturned in the worst way, but saying he was inclined to do what he did because he's got "gender issues" is total BS. Almost as if it's a covert request to re-instate banning gays/trans from military service, because, well you know, they can't be trusted.